Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
Which of the following isotopes is used in the treatment of cancer?
Isotope of uranium
Isotope of iodine
Isotope of cobalt
Isotope of carbon
Isotope of cobalt
Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope that emits high-energy gamma rays, which are used in teletherapy to destroy cancerous cells by damaging their DNA. It is a cornerstone of external beam radiotherapy, specifically in machines known as Cobalt units.
Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope that emits high-energy gamma rays, which are used in teletherapy to destroy cancerous cells by damaging their DNA. It is a cornerstone of external beam radiotherapy, specifically in machines known as Cobalt units.
This falls under the study of Atomic Physics and Radioisotopes, often tested alongside the development of India's nuclear program initiated by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) established in 1954.
Cobalt-60 has a half-life of approximately 5.27 years.
The process of using gamma rays for cancer treatment is known as radiotherapy.
Radioactive isotopes are also utilized in medical diagnostics and food irradiation.
Iodine-131 is specifically used in the treatment of thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer, but Cobalt-60 is the generalized answer for broader cancer teletherapy.
Carbon-14 is primarily used for radiocarbon dating to determine the age of organic materials.
Uranium isotopes are typically used as fuel in nuclear reactors rather than direct medical therapy.
Option B (Iodine) is technically used for specific endocrine-related cancers, but Cobalt is the standard answer for general cancer treatment technology.
C is correct тАФ The isotope Cobalt-60 is widely used in teletherapy to treat cancer by utilizing high-energy gamma rays.
When answering science-based GK, distinguish between diagnostic tracers (like Iodine-131 or Technetium-99m) and therapeutic agents (like Cobalt-60 or Phosphorus-32) to avoid common confusion in competitive exams.